Dehumidifier

Do humidifiers cause condensation and molds?

You see, a lot of people are quite hesitant to buy humidifiers because of the notion that these devices cause moisture and mold growth. Of course, nobody here wants to experience mold infestation. Similarly, you don’t want your house or building to be riddled with condensation.

Too much moisture in a given room can lead to numerous issues, such as mold growth, musty odor, and allergies. As much as possible, you don’t want any of that to happen. 

The job of a humidifier is to add moisture to an area. Given that this is the case, it is quite understandable why some people think that these humidifiers can cause problems rather than solutions. 

But fear not; this should not actually be the case. There are some things that you need to know here. 

How Excess Moisture Causes Mold Growth?

It’s no secret that moisture can cause mold growth. 

The most known way moisture can cause mold growth is through condensation. Condensation occurs when warm air meets a cool surface and releases moisture. This is a natural process that occurs both indoors and outdoors.

Usually, molds are not a problem for indoor spaces. The only exception is when there are mold spores that can get inside and manage to land on a damp or wet area. If your home has the right relative humidity, the presence of mold spores should not threaten you. But if there’s too much moisture, then it is a problem that you have to deal with. 

For as short as one day, mold spores can grow and manifest in the area. And that’s not a good thing. 

If you think that your indoor air is too damp, the device that you need is not a humidifier but a dehumidifier. The latter is specifically designed to bring down the relative humidity of wet spaces down to a more acceptable level. 

What Is Condensation Anyway?

Condensation is a process by which water vapor in the air turns into liquid water, and it can happen in a number of ways. It can occur when water vapor in the air comes into contact with cold surfaces, absorbing the heat from the surrounding area and turning it into liquid water.

Condensation can take place when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces or when warm air is forced to move over a cold surface. 

For example, you can see condensation occur on the outside of a cold glass of water or when warm exhaled air touches a cold window. It is also possible for condensation to manifest when warm, humid air is cooled rapidly, for example, in a freezer.

Hence, if there’s sufficient or excess moisture in the air, condensation can occur. And the presence of water is what triggers mold growth.

So how do these things relate to humidifiers?

Do Humidifiers Cause Condensation And Molds?

The short answer to this question is a yes. And it is essential that we can elaborate on this matter. In this way, you will be able to use the humidifier properly without experiencing any condensation and other drawbacks. 

The function of a humidifier is to release moisture in the air to increase its humidity. According to experts, the safe range of indoor humidity should be 40% to 60%. Any higher than this, and you’ll experience a damp and wet feeling. 

When there’s too much moisture (high humidity), it manifests in the form of condensation. Usually, you can see it in the coldest spots of your home, such as the windows.

Interestingly, warm air carries more water. Therefore, you should not be surprised why it feels so damp during the summer season. Therefore, when the warm air gets in contact with any cold part or surface in your home, the air cools, and the water that it carries is “released” through condensation. 

And when there’s condensation, mold growth can also occur. 

Low temperatures mixed with excess humidity can also cause indoor condensation. You have to maintain the right humidity at various temperatures to prevent bad things from happening. 

You can refer to the table below for the recommended humidity level for given indoor/outdoor temperatures. 

How To Prevent Humidifiers From Causing Condensation And Mold Growth?

People buy humidifiers because they are suffering from dry air problems. Perhaps you have already considered buying one but suddenly had a second thought after realizing this matter. 

It is undeniable that humidifiers release moisture to make your environment more humid. However, if you don’t keep them in check, they can cause condensation, especially if the temperature outside goes below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. 

To prevent this from happening, you should always monitor your humidifier, especially its humidistat. You have to make sure that the humidistat is set on the ideal indoor humidity. In this way, the humidifier won’t produce too much mist in the air. Some humidifiers have automatic sensors that let them configure the moisture output based on the readings. 

For instance, if the sensors detect that your indoor humidity is below the appropriate level, they trigger the humidifier to run automatically. After reaching the desired humidity, the humidifier turns off automatically. 

Of course, you can also opt for units that offer manual humidistat. They enable you to have full control over the output of the humidifier. 

In fact, you can just maintain the relative humidity to 45%. In that way, you can deal with air dryness without experiencing condensation. 

Other Tips That Help Reduce Condensation

Condensation is a common problem in homes that lack good insulation and airtight construction. In the winter, it’s the extra moisture in the air from warm, moist breath, cooking, and bathing that creates a humid environment in your home. But, in the summer, it’s the outdoor humidity that finds its way into your home that causes condensation.

Below are some tips to help you reduce the condensation in your home, which, in turn, would prevent mold growth from happening:

• Use the exhaust fans in your bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen
• Vent clothes dryers and gas burners outside
• Make sure that the ventilating louvers in your crawl spaces or attic are large and open
• Utilize fireplace dampers so that moisture-filled air would escape
• Open the entry points of your house for a few minutes every day

In Summary

While it is true that humidifiers can cause condensation and mold growth, it is essential to note that you have all the means to prevent it. Most humidifiers are designed to operate smartly, thanks to their humidistats. But if the humidifier has no sensors, it is up to you to control its output or operational time. 

Using a hygrometer can help you monitor the relative humidity of your house or building. It is an inexpensive device, but it can aid you in ensuring that your home is properly humid. 

That’s it for now. If you have inquiries, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comment section below.

Why does a dehumidifier freeze up? Is there a way to fix it?

A dehumidifier is any device that is used to remove moisture from the air. This device is used in places such as houses, buildings, and basements to remove excess moisture to prevent the growth of mold and mildew and the damaging effects that moisture can cause.

But similar to other appliances, these dehumidifiers are not impervious to errors and damages. In some instances, they suffer from internal issues. Such an example is freezing, which is somewhat annoying, as it stops the device from running at all. It ruins the purpose of the dehumidifier, which is to help you with your moisture problems.

But what makes a dehumidifier freeze up anyway? 

Why Does A Dehumidifier Freeze Up

There are multiple reasons why a dehumidifier can sustain frozen evaporator coils. Here are some of the common ones.

Cause #1: Faulty Humidity Control

One of the indicative signs that your dehumidifier has frozen up is an icy coil. Just like air conditioners, dehumidifiers have coils, too. If they are icing already and that your room temperature is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the problem should lie in the humidistat. 

Simply put, a humidistat is a device that senses the relative humidity in the room and controls the dehumidifier accordingly. Most humidistats are electronic devices that make use of a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity in the room. On instances where the humidistat does fail in identifying the relative humidity accurately, the dehumidifier’s compressor circuit will run continuously. As a result, the coils would ice eventually. 

Fix:

One way of dealing with a faulty humidistat is replacing it. But that’s the drastic measure. Surely enough, you can find compatible humidistats for your dehumidifier based on its specifications.

Another way of going over this matter is by rotating the control knob of the humidistat. Before you do so, make sure the dehumidifier is unplugged. While rotating, check the contact set while it’s opening or closing. Once you detect that the contact doesn’t respond while adjusting the control, then you need to replace the humidistat.

Cause #2: Fan Blade Or Blower Wheel

Similar to the symptoms stated above, dehumidifiers that have frozen coils could be a possible symptom of problematic airflow. Of course, you should consider this situation if the room temperature is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Airflow is one of the primary aspects of a dehumidifier, as it conducts air cycling to remove the moisture in the air. 

For a dehumidifier to function properly, it should have access to abundant airflow. Specifically, air should pass seamlessly in the dehumidifier’s coils and evaporator to ensure that the device won’t get frozen. 

You will know if this is the problem by checking the grille area of the dehumidifier. Normally, you can feel a lot of air blowing on that part. But if you don’t feel anything at all, even if the filter is clean, you should do some troubleshooting. 

Fix:

Assess the coils and see if there is no dirt or lint build-up on them. If these elements are present, you should clean them right away. Of course, you should check the fan blades or blower wheels, too. Look for any signs of damages or restrictions that prevent them from functioning properly. Cleaning them should alleviate the problem in most cases. But if the issue is mechanical, then you should just replace them.

In checking the blower wheels, make sure that they are affixed to the motor shaft properly. Otherwise, it will cause problems to the dehumidifier. 

Cause #3: Bi-Metal Thermostat

Another reason why dehumidifier coils freeze is a malfunctioning bi-metal thermostat. Now, not all dehumidifiers have this component. So if your existing unit doesn’t have this component, then it is not the culprit for the problem. 

A bi-metal thermostat works by thawing the ice that clads the evaporator coils. It is an essential component that works best if you are experiencing high humidity levels or cold temperatures. The said thermostat checks the temperature of the evaporator. If it is low, then it will impede the power going to the compressor while letting the fan run. In this way, the air will pass through the evaporator coils and melt the ice on them. 

Naturally, if the bi-metal thermostat is not working, nothing will regulate the defrosting of the coils. 

Fix:

It is not that easy to determine if the bi-metal thermostat is working properly or not. After all, its operation depends on the external temperature. If the thermostat has positive contact with the coil while the coils are frozen, then you should suspect that the device is faulty. At this point, you need to replace it to ensure that your dehumidifier will function again.

Cause #4: Temperature Sensor

If the temperature sensor of the dehumidifier is not working properly, there’s a good chance that it will cause the coils to freeze over. Many refrigerant dehumidifiers have sensors that detect the evaporator coils’ temperature. This particular data is taken up by the control board and is being used to regulate the performance of the fan motor circuits and compressor. 

When the sensor is defective, it will not be able to detect the temperature or relative humidity properly. As a result, it would cause the circuit to remain on full power, even if it is no longer necessary, causing the coils to ice. 

Fix:

This problem can be fixed by using a multimeter. Use it to diagnose if the sensor is functioning or not. If it’s not in its correct condition anymore, you should simply replace it. 

Meanwhile, other electric-control dehumidifiers usually generate a particular fault code every time their sensors are malfunctioning. You should check if the sensor has a proper connection to the control board. 

Conclusion

Knowing why a dehumidifier freezes up is as vital as learning how to take care of it. By understanding the mechanisms of a dehumidifier, troubleshooting it would become easier for you. You would be able to determine if the device requires cleaning or fixing every time it is malfunctioning. 

I hope that you find this guide useful. For other related inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

It is crucial that you know how to use a dehumidifier properly. After all, you can only benefit from this device if you know how to operate it based on your needs and requirements.

Furthermore, proper usage of a dehumidifier can actually help you extend its lifespan, effectively reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements. 

Fortunately, it is not that difficult to use these dehumidifiers. Even if it is your first time using a dehumidifier, the learning curve is not that difficult. You just have to follow the tips and recommendations that I’ve listed below. 

What Is A Dehumidifier? What Are Its Benefits?

A dehumidifier is a device designed to reduce the level of humidity in the air. It does this by means of collecting the water in the air using a fan or absorbent. There are two basic types of dehumidifiers: desiccant dehumidifiers and refrigerant dehumidifiers. Desiccant dehumidifiers use a material that absorbs water from the air, such as silica gel, while refrigerant dehumidifiers use a refrigerant to cool the air, which causes the water to condense. 

There is also a third type of dehumidifier, an ionic air purifier, which uses an ionic process to remove moisture from the air. However, some people have qualms when it comes to ionic dehumidifiers. It’s one of the reasons why people these days only opt for refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers, regardless of the application. 

With a dehumidifier, you can actually eradicate the excess moisture in the air. It reduces the mustiness and dampness of the air while returning its breathability and comfort levels. 

A dehumidifier removes the possibility of mold growth, water spots, and furniture damage in your space. During summer, where the air is particularly humid, this device comes in extremely handy. In fact, every time that the humidity in your area increases, you should have a dehumidifier on stand-by. 

How To Use A Dehumidifier Properly

Here are some of the basic guidelines that would allow you to maximize the potential of a dehumidifier.

Pick The Right Dehumidifier First

Many people tend to complain that their dehumidifiers are not doing enough moisture removal. Of course, we can assume that the device has some problems. 

But before returning it to the seller or manufacturer, you have to check first if the dehumidifier is indeed compatible with your intended application. 

Dehumidifiers are not built the same. Each of them is designed to accommodate a particular task or requirement. Some dehumidifiers are designed for whole-house applications, while others are for single-room use, such as bedrooms and kitchens. 

Meanwhile, there are also dehumidifiers meant for small spaces, such as in your closets, gun safes, and guitar cases. These dehumidifiers do exist, and they function well enough. However, you can’t expect these small dehumidifiers to absorb the moisture in a large room. 

Generally, the bigger the dehumidifier, the more capable in absorbing large volumes of moisture. Hence, you can expect that whole-house dehumidifiers have a significant size difference from their portable and single-room counterparts. 

Get the size of the area that you want to dehumidify. The measurement should be in cubic feet. After that, look for dehumidifiers that match the measurement that you got. You can see this by checking their labels or user manuals. 

Set The Right Configuration

If you want to maximize the performance and effectiveness of a dehumidifier, you need to set its settings correctly. 

When it comes to this matter, you need to get an idea about the proper indoor humidity. Correct humidity is where the air’s moisture content is normal–not too less, not too much. 

Well, many agree that the correct humidity of rooms and interiors is between 45% to 65%. However, others are comfortable with 35% to 50% humidity levels. Any of these options are alright, especially if you are comfortable with them. Anything that is higher or below these figures may cause discomforts and unwarranted damages to your properties. 

In our context, we shouldn’t let the humidity exceed 65%. Otherwise, you’ll experience dampness and odor in the air. In fact, in areas that are particularly humid, a relative humidity level of 55% to 60% can already cause adverse effects. 

It would be advantageous if the dehumidifier you get has a humidistat. This component reads the humidity levels in a room and adjusts the performance of the dehumidifier accordingly based on it. 

Learn The Proper Placement

You have to know that the placement of a dehumidifier can affect its performance. For instance, if you are going to place the dehumidifier in the middle of large fixtures and furniture in your home, it will not be able to do its job properly.

Oppositely, a dehumidifier that has an elevated placement without any obstructions will dehumidify your space evenly. 

Furthermore, you should avoid placing the dehumidifier against the wall. It is a common mistake that I always see. Keep in mind that dehumidifiers work by absorbing air using a fan from one end and eject it back into your space through its exhaust vents. If you place the dehumidifier against a wall, it is possible that either the vents or the fans will get blocked. It will prevent the dehumidifier from working. 

Where To Place A Dehumidifier?

Here are some of the ideal locations for a dehumidifier placement:

• Place it on a spot where there’s good air circulation.
• Look for areas where there’s minimal traffic.
• Put the dehumidifier away from obstructions and walls (at least ten inches away).

If the dehumidifier offers an automatic draining function, make sure that you place it where it is near to a hose and drainage system. In this way, you can utilize the said feature of the dehumidifier. 

Mind The Weather

Humidity may become a problem, regardless of the climate and season. Again, there are some regions in the world where moisture is always high. 

During hot seasons, the dehumidifier can normally run since moisture is heavily present. But when the temperatures are low, there are some considerations that you need to take into account. First, there’s a possibility that the water that the dehumidifier absorbed may freeze. It is a common sight during winter. 

Second, you may not opt for refrigerant dehumidifiers if it is too cold. After all, you can’t risk running the dehumidifier when you are being riddled with freezing temperatures. At this point, you might want to opt for desiccant dehumidifiers. 

Don’t Forget To Empty The Water Tank

It is essential that you maintain the dehumidifier regularly. You will be able to prevent the device from deteriorating quickly if you do this regimen regularly. 

One of the ways you can maintain the dehumidifier is by emptying its tank every time it is full. Do not let it sit there, as it can cause mold and bacterial growth. 

However, you may not need to empty the dehumidifier if it comes with an automatic draining capability. You just need to attach a hose to its drain plug, and the device will automatically drain the water it collected.

There are other ways you can maintain a dehumidifier. Here are some of them:

• Clean the filters regularly. You need to do this every six months. If you are using the dehumidifier continuously, you need to change the filters more frequently. 
• Dust the exterior of the dehumidifier, especially the vents and intake. 
• Check the coils and see if they are functioning properly. If they are frozen, let them thaw. 

Conclusion

Being able to use a dehumidifier properly will enable you to improve its performance to the peak. If you badly need dehumidification in your home or office, an adequately functioning dehumidifier is essential. With the recommendations I listed above, you will be able to get a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture adequately.

I hope you find this guide useful. If you have other inquiries, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.

When is the best time to run a dehumidifier?

For many people, the problem of humidity can be severe. Symptoms of such are moisture growth, musty odor, and the physical deterioration of some of their furniture. Dehumidifiers exist to ensure that these moisture-caused problems can be prevented, allowing your place to achieve the proper humidity levels. 

Of course, the proper use of a dehumidifier will enable you to maximize the device’s effectiveness. Hence, it is essential that you are aware of its proper placement, the ideal time of its usage, and even its configuration. 

In this context, we are going to elaborate on the best time of day to use dehumidifiers. 

Best Time To Run A Dehumidifier

Several factors can influence your dehumidifier usage. Certainly, your goal here is to ensure that you can operate the device to reduce the effects of excess humidity in your space. 

Keep in mind that people have varying comfort levels when it comes to humidity. But when it comes to your health, the ideal humidity range should be 40% to 60%. Some would adjust this to 45% to 65%, 30% to 60%, or any numbers that are within the said range. 

Dehumidifiers can run for straight 24 hours, depending on your needs and preferences. If you deem that your area is being riddled by excess moisture, then you are free to run these dehumidifiers continuously. Areas in your home that are notably damp, such as basements, should have a dedicated dehumidifier that regulates their humidity. 

Also, keep in mind that humidity is high on warm days, especially during the summer season. Technically speaking, the warm air can hold more water. Hence, it is already a given that it can cause a spike in humidity. You may want to use a dehumidifier all day when the climate is particularly hot. 

The Cost Factor

Again, it is best to continuously operate your dehumidifier to ensure that your home maintains the correct humidity level. This notion is particularly true for those spaces that are burdened by severe humidity problems. 

But then again, running a dehumidifier will cost you money. The longer you use the device, the more it will add to your electrical costs. Therefore, if you don’t want to be burdened by high power bills, you have to control the time you use the dehumidifier. 

If you are concerned about your electrical bill, then you should use the dehumidifier around midnight until dawn–or 11 PM to 6 AM. In this period, electrical consumption is considered to be the lowest, which, in turn, causes the electrical rate to drop significantly. 

Interestingly, humidity is the highest during the early parts of the day, which should be around 3 AM to 5 AM. Therefore, running your dehumidifier on these hours is actually cost-efficient. 

But then again, if your goal is to dry your space even before you sleep, then I highly suggest that you use your dehumidifier ahead of the suggested time. In fact, you should get your humidifier at a steady pace until such time that the moisture level in your area stabilizes. 

You also have the option to time the hours that the dehumidifier operates. At this point, you would need the device to have a timer function so that you can achieve this feat automatically. For instance, you can time the dehumidifier to run five hours in the morning and six hours in the evening, depending on your needs. The more accurate your timing is, the easier it is to achieve cost-efficiency with your dehumidifying device.

Relative Humidity

Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air compared with the maximum amount of water vapor that the air can hold at a given temperature. For example, if the air is at a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and there is already one percent humidity, then the relative humidity would be one percent. If the humidity increased to, say, two percent, that would mean that it is 70 degrees and two percent humidity.

The relative humidity will drop when the temperature increases.

Your dehumidifier works to remove excess humidity from the air to make your home more comfortable and reduce the potential for mold and other damage.

Again, you have to remember that the ideal humidity level for any interior space should be around 40% to 60%. Mold can already start growing at 65% relative humidity. The primary function of a dehumidifier is to guarantee that you will not exceed the ideal range. If you deem that the relative humidity in your home is too high, then you should let the dehumidifier do its thing, regardless of the time of the day.

Moisture can increase due to human activities. Any tasks that require water, such as bathing, washing clothes, and cooking, will inevitably release moisture. If water is particularly abundant in your area, then you might need to use your dehumidifier for as long as you need it.

Between cost and comfort, I prefer prioritizing comfort. After all, high humidity is pretty damaging. 

Effects Of High Humidity

In some parts of the world, high humidity can be a serious problem. This is even more likely in countries where large portions of the year are spent in a hot, wet, and muggy climate. In these places, high humidity is an issue that has to be dealt with. 

Stuffy rooms, allergies, mold growth, mildew, and fungus are all results of high humidity levels. Because of this, people are often encouraged to purchase dehumidifiers for their homes. These machines help to reduce the level of moisture in the air, which helps to counteract the humid climate.

You will definitely know if you need a dehumidifier in your home or building if the following symptoms are already apparent:

• People dwelling or interacting in your property have prolonged issues of allergies.
• Your allergies are getting worse
• Water leakages are evident, especially after precipitation (i.e., rain or snow)
• The air is particularly muggy, which is a sign that the problem is already becoming visible
• Insects and pests are proliferating in your home, such as moths, spiders, and cockroaches
• Your garments and clothes are damp and exude a musty smell
• Cracks and stains in your walls and furniture

How Long Does A Dehumidifier Work?

The dehumidifier works by simply extracting excess moisture from the air. It does this by running a refrigerant through a semipermeable membrane filter. This filter allows water vapor through it but keeps the water droplets from passing back out. This refrigerant then runs through a compressor, which condenses the refrigerant back into a liquid. The condensed refrigerant then runs through a small expansion device, which cools it back into a gas, and the process repeats.

Ideally, a dehumidifier should take effect as soon as possible. The quicker it can absorb moisture from the air, the better. Now, some air dehumidifiers take a couple of hours before you can experience significant dehumidification. However, others are quite powerful in that they can start absorbing moisture the moment you switch them on. 

To know if a dehumidifier is already working, you should have a hygrometer with you. The latter is a device that measures the relative humidity in a given space. Measure the moisture before and during you use the dehumidifier. It should give you an idea of the speed as to which the dehumidifier can do its job.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the best time to run a dehumidifier should be in the period where the humidity is the highest. It is the ideal way to ensure proper dehumidification without racking electrical costs. 

However, if you are constantly troubled by moisture all day long, then you have no other choice but to keep the dehumidifier running. Otherwise, you’ll suffer from health problems and infrastructural damages. 

I hope that you find this guide useful. For other inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.